New Delhi: The political confrontation over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against student protesters intensified on Wednesday, with Parliament witnessing repeated disruptions, the opposition holding ‘Black Day’ protests, Rahul Gandhi repeating his attack on the Center and activist Sonam Wangchuk extending her indefinite hunger strike.The Center said it was ready to discuss the issue in Parliament, but the Opposition remained adamant on demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi’s allegations, Union Minister JP Nadda said the government will investigate his claims of around 150 paper leaks and urged the opposition to stop ‘changing the goalposts’ and participate in the parliamentary debate to find a permanent solution.Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court sought answers to the allegations of police brutality during the students’ protests, while the cockroach Janata Party (CJP) continued its agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.Here are the key developments from the day:
Opposition holds ‘Black Day’ protest in Parliament
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, along with India Bloc MPs, reached Parliament wearing black clothes to observe ‘Black Day’ over alleged NEET irregularities and police action against protesting students.Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, JMM MP Mahua Maji and several other opposition leaders gathered at Makar Dwar and raised slogans demanding justice for students and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The government offered discussion in Parliament; Opposition’s refusal without Pradhan’s resignation
Amidst the growing protests, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the government is ready for a debate in Parliament on the NEET issue.Rijiju said, “The government is ready to discuss the NEET paper leak issue.” He said an all-party meeting has been proposed to finalize the date, rules and duration of the debate.He said, “There should be constructive discussion for the future of the youth of this country.”However, the opposition said that no discussion could take place until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.In the Rajya Sabha, Kharge insisted on discussion under Rule 267 and reiterated that the minister will have to step down before any debate can begin.House leader JP Nadda accused the Indian faction of showing ‘irresponsible behaviour’ and damaging the dignity of Parliament.
Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre, demands Pradhan’s resignation
Addressing a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of destroying India’s education system and fully supported the demands of the students.He claimed that the country’s education system has become ‘a rigged system’ and alleged that 152 papers have been leaked in the last decade without any conviction.“It is clear to everyone that our education system, which was supposed to be one of the best education systems in the world, is today a rigged system,” he said.He alleged that due to the leak, students are being forced to prepare for the examinations again and again.“What we do know is that 152 papers have been leaked in the last decade. That is, almost one every month.”Rahul also criticized the police action against the protesters.“The question is why is this happening to our students? What have our students actually done?…They are protesting peacefully.”Calling the students’ demands ‘100 per cent legitimate’, he said, “Dharmendra Pradhan, who has failed as an education minister and is known to be corrupt, should be relieved of his duties.”
Supreme Court refused urgent hearing
The Supreme Court declined to hear immediately a petition alleging police brutality during Monday’s protests.When the petitioner’s counsel cited the video evidence, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked: “We are not interested in the video, we do not have time to watch.”The petition pertains to police action during CJP’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, where protesters alleged excessive use of force by security personnel.
Delhi High Court seeks answers, orders to keep CCTV footage safe
The Delhi High Court sought response from the Centre, Delhi Police and the National Human Rights Commission on pleas alleging excessive force during the July 20 protests.A bench headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyay directed the authorities to preserve CCTV footage, body camera recordings and all relevant electronic records.The court listed the case for September 11.The petitioners alleged that the police and Rapid Action Force used disproportionate force against peaceful protesters, including women and children.Senior lawyer N Hariharan claimed that more than 90 students were injured and demanded a judicial inquiry and independent SIT probe.Additional Solicitor General SV Raju argued that the petitions were based on social media posts and said that the protesters had turned violent, resulting in injuries to police personnel and damage to government vehicles.
CJP’s protest continues; Center deployed more CRPF companies
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke criticized the government’s decision to deploy 20 additional companies of CRPF in Delhi.“What is the government planning to do? Was the blood of students shed by Delhi Police and RAF on July 20 not enough?”. He posted on X.Additional CRPF companies are being airlifted from West Bengal to strengthen security amid the ongoing protests and Parliament session.CJP claimed that the agitation has entered its second month and thousands of people are gathering at Jantar Mantar.The organization reiterated that their protest will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.Dupke also clarified that the CJP had not called for protests anywhere other than Jantar Mantar and warned against “goons” trying to create disturbances at other places.
CJP says he is ready for talks
The CJP said it was ready for discussions with the government, but stressed that any talks should take place at Jantar Mantar rather than the minister’s residence.Chief spokesperson Saurav Das said that the police have informed that Union Minister JP Nadda wants to meet them.He said, “We refused to go to anyone’s house or office. The public court is here.”
Opposition MPs stopped from meeting Sonam Wangchuk
A delegation of opposition MPs was stopped by police from meeting activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.The MPs handed over a letter signed by about 55 MPs to Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, urging her to end her fast.AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Center of ‘tyranny’, alleging that Union ministers were allowed to meet Wangchuk, while opposition MPs were barred from meeting him.“For the first time in history you have heard that police are stopping people from meeting a hospitalized patient. We have come to meet hospitalized Sonam Wangchuk and why? This letter has been signed by 55 five MPs and after signing we have come with a letter requesting you to break her hunger strike.” Do these people want to kill Sonam Wangchuk? This letter states that you should break your fast. You should not continue your fast keeping in mind your health and the importance of your life. Sonam Wangchuk had said that if the MPs of the country assure us then he can break his fast. We are not allowed to give this letter, we are not allowed to meet him… JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him and many opposition MPs have come, still they will not allow him to meet him,” he said.
Wangchuk sets conditions to end hunger strike
Wangchuk, who has completed 25 days of his indefinite fast, said he would end it only when the government assures that no student protestor will face legal action.In a letter to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, he thanked them for meeting him but sought a clear assurance.“I respectfully request clear assurances from the government that any young protesters will not face any punitive or retaliatory legal action.”He said that if such assurance is given, he will end his fast immediately.His wife Gitanjali Angmo later said that Wangchuk had decided to continue his fast until he received assurances.“Sonam Wangchuk has decided to break her fast after receiving assurances and letters from these MPs. But she also needs assurance from the Government of India that no injustice will be done to the protesters. She also needs an assurance from the government that she will not be physically attacked tonight. Sonam has written this letter to Jitendra ji and Nadda ji and said that they want assurance that nothing wrong will be done to the children. No FIR will be registered against him, no undue pressure will be put against him… We are waiting for another assurance from the Government of India. Sonam has also tweeted today and has also written a letter to him that he wants assurance regarding the children because if we are doing this entire movement for the children and their future, then it is our responsibility not to cause any harm to them. Sonam has decided to extend her hunger strike indefinitely,” he said.
Wangchuk released latest video message
In a video message from the hospital, Wangchuk said he had lost about 11 kilograms of weight during the hunger strike, but remained determined.He praised the students for maintaining restraint despite the police action.“I want to salute all the students who acted with remarkable restraint.”He reiterated that he wanted to end the fast but would do so only after receiving assurances that the students would not face police action, FIRs or legal harassment.“If I get that assurance soon… I will end my hunger strike today itself. But if no such assurance is given, then unfortunately I will have to continue my fast.”
Nadda challenges Rahul’s paper leak claim, urges debate in Parliament
JP Nadda hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his claim that about 150 papers were leaked in the country, saying that the matter will be investigated and the government will present the facts before the country.Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s press conference, Nadda said, “Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi gave a presentation and discussed about 150 paper leaks. This is a matter of investigation and the government being a responsible government will undoubtedly investigate and present the truth before the public and the country.Reiterating the Centre’s stand, Nadda said the government is ready for a discussion on the alleged NEET paper leak in Parliament under any format and any period decided by the opposition.“We want this issue to be discussed in Parliament. Whether it is a short-term discussion or a long-term discussion, you decide how much time you want.” The government is ready for discussion and the opposition should not keep changing the goalposts.”Describing Parliament as the appropriate forum to resolve the issue, Nadda urged all parties to work together for a long-term solution.He said, “Children are the future of us, you and the country. It is the responsibility of both the government and the opposition to protect their future. We should discuss every aspect and make a concrete policy.”
